IgoUgo

Cancun Journals

Cancun, Mexico

A February 2003 trip to Cancun by misskris

Quote: We skipped the clichéd bar scene and went inland on our own for an incredible Cancun vacation.

    Cancun, Mexico

    Overview

    Quote:
    Definitely visit Chichen-Itza. It is more than just an ancient Mayan palace; it is also an amazing hiking spot, wildlife spotting area, and glimpse into local culture.

    Quick Tips:

    Your concierge will have discount coupon books.

    Best Way To Get Around:

    Buses are wildly exciting because of the famously crazy driving. Do not miss this experience.

    Solymar Beach Resort

    Hotel | "Solymar"

    Quote:
    Solymar ("sun and sea") was an amazing, yet affordable, hotel right on the south end of Cancun's famous beach. We chose the all-inclusive package, which was extremely affordable. For a week's lodging, meals, and drinks, we paid only $900. The beer on tap is Dos Equis, which is pretty expensive stateside, so we felt quite lucky. The hotel had two pools, and the pool bar was a ton of fun. Juan at the bar was extremely helpful and willing to experiment with beverages! The room was nice, a standard room with a mini-fridge and balcony overlooking a tiny piece of ocean.

    Member Rating 5 out of 5 on August 31, 2005

    Solymar Beach Resort
    BLVD KUKULCAN KM 18 7
    Cancun, Mexico 77500
    52-998-885-1811

    Isla Mujeres

    Attraction

    Quote:
    The "woman's island" is a jewel about 15 minutes off the coast of old-town Cancun. It is full of shopping, from T-shirt shops to island chic and high-end jewelry. The beaches, though, are what make is such a fun trip. Surrounded by pure white sand, clothing-optional beaches, and warm, calm ocean water, the beaches are not to be missed. Our fave was Playa Norte, park nearby and walk up and down to see the sights. The best mode of transport on the island is to rent a golf cart for the day. The island is small and safe, so it is fun to drive around. There is a really cool oceanfront house shaped like a conch shell. This was the highlight of our trip to Cancun!

    Member Rating 5 out of 5 on August 31, 2005

    Isla Mujeres
    13 Km Ne Of Cancun
    Isla Mujeres, Mexico

    Quote:
    Snorkeling the beaches in Cancun was disappointing at best. We have snorkeled all over and were excited about it, but the huge waves every day kind of quashed our hopes. On only one day was the water calm enough to snorkel. We had 4 days of “red flag” water where we weren't allowed to swim. A huge undertow and swirling sand really made even swimming difficult. Large chunks of coral imbedded in the sand bloodied our knees after we were slammed around a couple of times. Save the snorkeling for Cozumel.

    Member Rating 1 out of 5 on August 31, 2005

    Xcaret

    Attraction | "Aquarium in Cancun"

    Quote:
    In the nicest shopping center of Cancun is the aquarium, a fun way to spend a few hours. You can see all of the local aquatic wildlife as well as some neat experiences diving with the big fish. Afterwards, you can shop in the plaza and buy silver jewelry, beach sarongs, etc., for relatively good prices, though nothing near what you'd get a little inland.

    Member Rating 3 out of 5 on August 31, 2005

    Xcaret
    Km 282 Chetumal - Puerto Juarez highway
    Cancun, Mexico 77710
    (984) 883-3144

    Chichen-Itza

    Best Of IgoUgo

    Story/Tip

    Quote:
    The ancient Mayan palace and compound of Chichen-Itza dates back to the year 800 AD. The palace is remarkably intact, and an entire day can be spent wandering the grounds. When we were there, they still allowed climbing the pyramid, which was the single most terrifying event of my life. After the hands-and-knees crawl to the top, the only way down (other than falling off the cliff-like side) was to bump down the steps on your butt, feeling with your feet for the next narrow (I'm talking like 6 inches deep) step and hoping you wouldn't slip on the lichen growing on them or put your hand right onto a tarantula. We both made it, but what a RUSH! We had great views of the Mexican jungle. Other th...Read More

    About the Writer

    misskris

    misskris
    Traverse City, Michigan

    • "We love to travel to new places every year- want to hit every country in Europe"
    • 2 journals
    • 0 photos
    • 7 reviews
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